<P style="MARGIN: 0px">Today, both architects and business leaders understand the importance of networks to competitive advantage. Recognizing this, they are seeking better ways to architect and evolve networks based on the current and future needs of the business. <B> <I>The Art of Network Architecture</I> </B> is the first book that places business needs and capabilities at the center of the process of architecting and evolving networks, where it belongs. </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0px"> </P> <P style="MARGIN: 0px">Three pioneering network architects show how to evaluate both business and application requirements from a network designer’s perspective, identifying crucial upfront questions that can help you shape networks that support current business strategy and provide flexibility for the future. You’ll learn how to: </P> <UL> <LI>Deepen interactions between business and technology in your organization, and improve the effectiveness of those interactions</LI> <LI>Face down challenges of complexity and cost in environments where the business changes faster than the network can</LI> <LI>Frame the problem(s) and conceptualize the optimal network solution</LI> <LI>Reflect operational realities, cost issues, and application support in your design</LI> <LI>Fully leverage the benefits of modularity, hierarchy, and virtualization</LI> <LI>Build networks that are more manageable and more resistant to security failures</LI> <LI>Make better choices about topology, virtualization, and routing</LI> </UL> <P style="MARGIN: 0px">The authors conclude with three chapter-length case studies: designing an L3VPN core; outsourcing to a cloud service; and supporting “Bring Your Own Device.”</P>